COSTA MESA, Ca.– An Uber driver is filing a civil lawsuit against a passenger who attacked him in an encounter captured on dashcam, the victim’s lawyer says.
Uber passenger Benjamin Golden, 32, allegedly assaulted driver Edward Caban last month after Caban told him to get out of his car because he was drunk.
Before he got out of the car, Golden unleashed blows on the driver and appeared to try to bash his head through a window. Caban said he pepper-sprayed the passenger to end the attack.
Golden admitted he has intoxicated during the incident, and said he cannot believe he acted in such a violent manner.
“It’s not me in the video,” he told CNN affiliate KCAL of the October 30 attack. “It was hard to watch. I’m ashamed.”
He said his behavior is inexcusable, and apologized to Caban, saying he would like to express his remorse in person.
‘Everything’s fallen apart’
Shortly after the video came to light, Golden was fired from his job as a Taco Bell executive. He said he is getting help from a counselor.
“Everything’s fallen apart, and it’s my own doing,” he told the affiliate.
Caban is also receiving counseling following the attack, and is moving from California to be closer to his family, his attorney Rivers J. Morrel III said. He declined to say where he is moving.
“The trauma of the assault has affected his ability to sleep at night and focus on tasks during the day,” Morrel said. “Mr. Caban has filed a civil lawsuit against Mr. Golden, and will continue to pursue all legal remedies available under California law.”
It’s unclear how much Caban is seeking in the civil lawsuit.
Golden has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of assault and battery, according to the affiliate. If convicted, he faces up to a year in prison or a $10,000 fine.
His arraignment is November 17.
